News Feature

Our CommunityOriginally published in
Compass, June 12, 2014
Local Republicans turn out in big numbers to vote for Kane

by
Faith DeAmbrose

Voters in the local Penobscot Bay Press coverage area came out in large numbers to support Republican Scott Kane who was running in a contested primary against fellow Republican Alan Brown for the position of Hancock County Sheriff. The race, which has no Democrat on the ballot, has likely been decided in the primary, as voters across Hancock County also chose Kane.

Kane, formerly from Surry and now residing in Brooksville, not only received support from longstanding Republicans, but saw voters switch parties to vote for him. This included Blue Hill selectman and longtime Democratic legislator Jim Schatz who enrolled as a Republican to vote for Kane.

As of press time, countywide unofficial results show Kane narrowly defeating Brown by less than 200 votes with 95 percent of the precincts reporting.

In statewide elections, Democrat Emily Cain of Orono defeated Troy Jackson of Allagash. She will face Bruce Poliquin in November for the U.S House of Representatives seat left vacant by Mike Michaud who is running for governor. Poliquin defeated Kevin Raye in the Republican primary.

Local voters also preferred Ralph Chapman over political newcomer David Guarente, four to one, in a race for the House District 133 seat. Chapman, a Brooksville Democrat, will face Republican Susan Walsh of Blue Hill in the general election in November.